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At a glance
December 2016
Synthetic biology and biodiversity
Synthetic biology is a new dimension of modern biotechnology with the potential to design and
manufacture living organisms, components and products. It will be on the agenda of the 13th meeting
of the Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),
to be held from 4 to 17 December 2016, in Cancún, Mexico. Synthetic biology could provide novel
solutions for environmental and biodiversity-related issues, but could also have an adverse impact
on the natural environment. The European Union is party to the CBD and the protocols relevant in
the context of synthetic biology.
Background
Synthetic biology builds on the techniques of classical genetic engineering, which implies the insertion of
foreign genes into an organism, but goes beyond it as it involves the design and construction of new biological
parts and the redesign of existing natural biological systems. Synthetic biology comprises major genetic
changes and the creation of entirely new sequences of DNA, allowing the development of organisms with
novel functions. In 2014 the first entire living organism with artificial DNA was produced, when a team
engineered E. coli bacteria able to replicate a genetic code containing two unnatural bases (the DNA building
blocks).
Opportunities for species and habitats
Synthetic biology has the potential to be used for the protection of habitats and biodiversity. One important
application in this context is bioremediation, a process aimed at cleaning the environment of waste products
and pollutants with the help of living organisms. Synthetic biology might for instance be applied to develop
organisms with the ability to process waste or purify water by removing contaminants such as heavy metals
and pesticides. E. coli bacteria for example have been developed to degrade the environmental toxicant
methylmercury formed in water. In addition to naturally occurring bacteria, which can break petroleum down
into less toxic by-products, synthetically engineered microbes could be used to degrade more persistent
chemicals such as dioxins or certain pesticides. Engineered microorganisms (such as E. coli bacteria, baker's
yeast and microalgae) able to synthesise wanted products could meanwhile help to relieve pressure on plant
and animal species currently hunted or harvested for the extraction of certain substances (such as morphine).
A positive impact for biodiversity could be achieved in a more indirect way by breeding plants with a reduced
need of insecticide protection, but also producing higher yields. A lesser environmental impact and the
preservation of wildlife habitats could therefore be possible consequences. Endangered species could be made
resistant against presumed risks, such as pesticides in the case of bees or fungal diseases in the case of bats.
The new technologies could in addition be used to eradicate invasive species, which are a major threat to
biodiversity. Moreover the possibility of using synthetic biology to restore extinct species is also being
explored.
Possible threats
The development of synthetic genetic material and its potential impact on biodiversity is also associated with
scientific uncertainties however. Organisms bearing genetic material which does not occur naturally could
pose a risk to biodiversity if they are intentionally or accidentally released into the environment. Possible
scenarios include the transfer of genetic material to naturally occurring species, resulting in hybrids (combining
natural and synthetic genetic material) and changing biodiversity. These novel organisms could become
invasive, outcompeting or displacing existing species. As well as the accidental transfer of genes to wild
populations, there is the possibility of targeted quick spreading of genetic alterations through populations
EPRS | European Parliamentary Research Service
Author: Anne Altmayer, Members' Research Service
PE 593.572
Disclaimer and Copyright: The content of this document is the sole responsibility of the author and any opinions expressed therein do not necessarily represent the official
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EPRS
Synthetic biology and biodiversity
using gene drive systems. These systems increase the prevalence of a particular gene, for instance one that
reduces fertility. This method makes it possible to control populations of disease vectors, such as mosquitos.
The extinction of a whole species might however have consequences for food chains (for instance spiders and
birds living on insects) and thus on entire ecosystems. Another unwanted effect could arise from the fact that
a large number of synthetic biology applications are based on the conversion of biomass into desired products
by engineered organisms. If developed on a massive scale, this could increase demand for biomass and in turn
step up the conversion of natural habitats into agricultural land, potentially accompanied by a loss of
biodiversity on account of a greater use of fertilisers. In addition to these immediate effects on biodiversity,
the possibility of creating and restoring species could bring about a change in public perception, trivialising
biodiversity loss.
Regulatory aspects at EU level
According to the opinion of the EU's Scientific Committees on synthetic biology, the new technologies are
currently encompassed within 'genetic modification' as defined in Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate
release into the environment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and Directive 2009/41/EC on the
contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms. The committees recognise however the difficulty in
defining the relationship between genetic modification and synthetic biology. There is also an ongoing
discussion as to whether it is the products or the processes that are the determining factor for a technique to
fall within the scope of GMOs. Moreover, questions are raised regarding the source of genetic material and
the use of methods that do not necessarily fall under the current definition of genetic engineering. Problems
also arise from the definition of GMOs used in EU legislation, which has remained unchanged since 1990,
making the classification of new techniques difficult.
Operational definition of synthetic biology, to be discussed at COP 13
'Synthetic biology is a further development and new dimension of modern biotechnology that combines science,
technology and engineering to facilitate and accelerate the understanding, design, redesign, manufacture and/or
modification of genetic materials, living organisms and biological systems.'
Synthetic biology and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
The Convention on Biological Diversity is an international agreement that entered into force in 1993. It is
committed to three main goals: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of the components
of biological diversity and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic
resources. The convention is supplemented by two protocols, which both are relevant in the context of
synthetic biology.
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, which entered into force in 2003, aims to ensure the safe handling and
use of living modified organisms (LMO) resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects
on biological diversity. In the context of synthetic biology some questions still remain unclear however: The
protocol applies for instance to living organisms, whereas non-living components (such as DNA molecules) and
products (such as produced chemical substances) are not regulated by this protocol. There may also be cases
in which there is no consensus on the distinction between living and non-living (e.g. in the case of protocells).
The provisions of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety are implemented by EU legislation on GMOs.
The Nagoya Protocol, which entered into force in 2014, provides a framework for the fair and equitable sharing
of the benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources. In this context it remains for example to be
clarified to what extent the protocol would cover new aspects such as the use of digitally stored genetic
information. The Nagoya Protocol is transposed into EU law by Regulation (EU) 511/2014 on Access to Genetic
Resources and Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilisation in the Union. The 2015 CBD
Conference of the Parties recommended a precautionary approach when making use of synthetic biology
techniques.
Members' Research Service
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